Magnetic Levitation (1 Viewer)

[Trebla]

Hi,
For the dotpoint: "Students perform an investigation to demonstrate magnetic levitation", most schools would not have the equipment to show it first hand (liquid nitrogen and superconducting metal?). We had to research magnetic levitation instead. So in an exam, do we write it as an investigation that was performed and demonstrated first-hand or as research from various sources to perform a secondary investigation?

In general, in an exam situation, if a 'practical' was either demonstrated by the teacher or not performed due to lack of equipment, do we write how "we" (ourselves) conducted the experiment even though in reality we did not?

 

[Lazarus]

It doesn't really matter.

You could always write how the experiment would be conducted. That's the knowledge that you need to be able to demonstrate.

e.g. "A broad disc made of a superconducting metal is placed in a dish, and liquid nitrogen is slowly poured over it. A magnet is then gently placed on or in the vicinity of the top of the disc..."

(nb: statements above may not actually be the correct method for the experiment)

 

[helper]

The syllabus does not say it requires a first hand investigation, so watching a demonstration on video meets the requirements. However, you should still be able to describe the safety requirements of the video.

If you are in Sydney, then it might be woirth asking can you go on an excursion to Sydney or UNSW who will do this experiment in their outreach programs.

Also it is not expensive for the school. $106 for experimental setup and then the cost of the liquid nitrogen, which can be free if you know a user or supplier to the cost of hire of a container and liquid. Still not massively expensive.